Obituaries

Florence Vennice “Ben” Freeman

Florence Vennice “Ben” Freeman, 82, of Conway, Ark., formerly of Sheridan, Ark., went to meet her Savior and her beloved husband, Jack, on April 16, 2008. She was born Nov. 9, 1925, in Donaldson, Ark., to Fred and Lucy Walker.  

Ben was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, and five brothers.

She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan.

Ben is survived by three children: Tommy Freeman and wife, Nancy of Murfreesboro, Howard Freeman and wife, Ann of Sheridan, and Jackie Russell and husband, Bobby of Conway; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Emogene Hennis of North Little Rock, and Daphene Anderton of Memphis, Tenn.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on April 19 at Ouachita Cemetery in Donaldson, with the Rev. James Calhoun officiating. 

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 206 E. Holly Street, Sheridan, AR  72150.  

Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.

Arrangements were by Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.

David Wayne Bogard

David Wayne Bogard of Sheridan, Ark., was born Dec. 10, 1960, in Little Rock, Ark., the son of Bobby Bogard, Sr. and the late Dorothy Ford Bogard. David died April 14, 2008, at UAMS Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 47.

He was employed by Spickes Brothers Painting Contractors.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Bobby Bogard, Jr. and Michael Bogard; and a sister: Kathy Bogard.

Survivors include his father: Bobby Bogard, Sr. and step-mother: Dianne Bogard, of Sheridan; sister: Deborah Bogard Shultz of Sheridan; step-brothers: Roger Rasico of Little Rock and Scott Davis of Sheridan; nieces: Kimberly, Shannon, Autumn, Jennifer, Amber, Amanda, and Riley; and nephews: Adam; Bobby and Matt.

Funeral services were held at 9:30 a.m. April 17 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Eugene Miller officiating. Burial followed at Orion Cemetery near Redfield.

Pallbearers were Rick Gilliam, John Surginer, Terry Rupe, Mike Waters, Mike Coldiron and Waylon Whitemire.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Frederick Howard Reusser

Frederick Howard Reusser, 69, Little Rock, Ark., died April 16, 2008. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Frederick A. and Virginia Reusser; and wife: Marjorie Louise Reusser.

Graveside services were held on April 18 at 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery.

Frances Moring

Frances Moring, 83, of Sheridan, Ark., died April 14, 2008, at the Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born Aug. 11, 1924, in Grant County, a daughter of the late Clifton B. and Docia Benson Stuckey.  

Mrs. Moring was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband: Willie E. Moring; and her brother: Benson Stuckey.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Eddie and Pat Moring of Sheridan; daughter and son-in-law: Marie and James Johnson of Alexander; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on April 18 at Buie Funeral Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Terry Williams and Bro. Rick Ethridge officiating. Burial followed at New Hope Cemetery near Sheridan.  

Honorary pallbearers were William Ashcraft, Don Caple, Curtis Gladish, Ed Rutherford, and Herman Stuckey.  

Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

Virginia Christine Baker Harris

Virginia Christine Baker Harris, 83, of Sheridan, Ark., went to be with her Lord on April 13, 2008. Christine was born on July 22, 1924, to John and Annie Beavert Baker in Nevada County, Ark.

She was a woman of deep faith who always put God and others ahead of herself. She was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her church family and was devoted to the worship of God.

She was an honorable pastor’s wife and especially by her husband’s side, she loved serving the Lord.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years at the time he went to be with his Savior in March of 1998: Rev. V. Noel Harris; and four sisters: Clara Mae Wingfield, Irene Graham, Pauline Graham and Lois Lane.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law: Lynda and Curtis Aaron of Texarkana;

two sons and daughters-in-law: Derrell and Debbie Harris of Sheridan, Victor and Betty Harris of Gentry; seven granddaughters: Melissa Aaron Weatherford, Christy Aaron Swift, Tina Harris Winborne, Angela Harris Sullivan, Stacy Harris Whitfield, Carolyn Harris Honey, and Shea Harris; one grandson: Wayne Harris; 12 great-grandchildren;

and two sisters: Betty Cagle of Prescott and Evelyn Dickerson of Emmet.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on April 17 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church near Sheridan with Bro. Danny Hill and Bro. Brad Warren officiating. Burial was at Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville.

Pallbearers were Charlie Winborne, Wayne Harris, Bryan Weatherford, William Sullivan, Larry Swift, Michael Wallace, Zachery Wallace and Chad Winborne.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, # 8 Toler Street, Sheridan, AR. 72150.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

George Conrad Gartman

George Conrad Gartman of Sheridan, Ark., was born July 22, 1917, near Sheridan, Ark., the son of the late James Lonnie and Jesse Hamilton Gartman. Mr. Gartman died April 13, 2008, at V.A. Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 90.

He was a member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan, was a World War II United States Navy Veteran serving from Aug. 6, 1942 to Nov. 18, 1945, having voluntarily enlisted. He received a Purple Heart after being wounded by a Japanese suicide plane on May 11, 1945, off the coast of Okinawa.

He retired as a sheet metal worker in 1978. Conrad was a crappie fishing "extraordinaire". He and his wife Mildred loved to camp and fish and he was unofficial "Mayor" of Shouse Ford on Lake Degray.

He was known for being quite the storyteller and was a big fan of Sheridan Yellowjacket athletics.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years: Mildred Allen Gartman of Sheridan, whom he married on Jan. 20, 1951; a son Dr. Larry Gartman and wife, Janna of Rogers; daughter: Donna and husband, Joe Yancey of Hot Springs (formerly of Sheridan); and sister Mildred Huggins of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. He was proud "PaPa" to his grandchildren: Amy Humphries and husband, J.J. of Hot Springs, Sarah Biggs and husband, Travis of Fort Smith, Jake and wife, Timie Yancey of Benton, Jessica McDonald and husband, Brian of Little Rock, Jennifer Gartman, Tara Gartman, Haley Gartman, and Lucas Gartman, all of Rogers; great-grandchildren: Sarah Jessica Humphries and Hudson Joseph Yancey. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on April 16 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel at Sheridan with Bro. Tim Montgomery officiating. Burial followed at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan.

Pallbearers were John L. Crouse, Billy Ray Crouse, Laronne Gartman, David Gartman, Steve Gartman, Kim Gartman, Gary Lumsden, Ronnie Lumsden, and Randall Huggins. Honorary pallbearers were Conrad Harrington, Raymond Davis, Wallace Horton, Elbert "Tige" Atchley, Donald Puckett.

Memorials may be made to the Sheridan Yellowjacket Boosters, Rogers Athletic Boosters or a Church of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Kathryn Nelson Williams

Kathryn Nelson Williams of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away April 11, 2008, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Sheridan, Ark., on March 25, 1918, to the late Robert and Hattie Nelson.

Kathryn received her master's from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and was a teacher at Warren Dupree Elementary School in Jacksonville many years before her retirement. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Kathryn was active in the D.A.R., Magna Charta, Arkansas Pioneer, The Most Noble Order of the Garter, Retired Teachers Association, Hugenots Society, Arkansas Glass Club, Colonial Dames and the Order of Washington. 

She was married in Sheridan on Feb. 17, 1940, to the late James Roland “Trix” Williams. 

She was also preceded in death by a brother: Ralph Nelson.

She is survived by her son: Dr. Ronald Williams and his wife, Mickey of Little Rock; two daughters: Judy Norton and her husband, Dennis of Harrison, and Mary Alice Jones of Jacksonville; three sisters: Ethel Mae Schooley of Stamps, who passed away two hours after Kathryn, Mary Reid and Bobby Graves, both of Sheridan; seven grandchildren: Jan Williams, Mary Kathryn Williams, Scott Williams, Kathryn Lee Franks and husband, Mikey, Will Norton, Lane Jones and Emily Kathryn Jones; and three great-grandchildren: Sullivan Williams, Olivia Kathryn Franks and Tate Franks.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on April 15 at the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville with the Rev. Carol Goddard and Pete Weber officiating. Interment followed at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan at 2:45 p.m. 

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Program, 220 West Main St., Jacksonville, AR 72076 or the new Jacksonville Library- Artwork for Children’s Corner, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR. 72201

To sign the on-line guest book visit www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.

Patsy Ruth Green

Patsy Ruth Green, 78, of Leola, Ark., went to be with her Lord on April 8, 2008, at Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Feb. 6, 1930, in Houston Texas, a daughter of the late B.T. and Ruth Tucker Trammel.

Mrs. Green was a retired owner of Green’s Model Market for 17 years and Green and Trammel’s Store for 16 years, which she and her late husband, Maurice, had operated, and was a member of Leola Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Elmer Maurice Green; brother: Tommy Trammel; and brother-in-law: Carl Brady.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Tony Maurice and Nancy Green of Dover; two daughters and sons-in-law: Sally Ruth and Claude Allen Newton of Leola, Kristy Diane and Randy Hall of Leola; sister: Virginia Brady of Conroe, Texas; two brothers and sisters-in law: Gordon and Anne Winegar of Spring, Texas, Jimmy Trammel of  Houston, Texas,  Pat Trammel of Thornton;  four grandchildren: Darren Allen and Cody Wayne Newton , both of Leola, Brittney Patrice Barnes and husband, Chris of Sardis, Courtney Paige Hall of Leola.

Funeral service were held at 2 p.m. on April 11 at Leola Missionary Baptist Church in Leola with Bro. Johnie Brewster and Bro. Roger Hall officiating. Burial followed in Leola Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Carlton Dorey, Bernie Gaiser, Charlie Newton, Robert Newton, Paul Orr, Ben Smith, George Stiles, and Mike Trammel. Honorary pallbearers were Dusty and Floyd Lansdale and Bobby Thornton. 

The family requests memorials be made to Leola Missionary Baptist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements were under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan.

Rosie Lybrand

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Rosie Lybrand, 80 of Rison, Ark., went to meet her Lord and Savior on April 6, 2008. Born May 20, 1927, in Rison she was the daughter of the late John Benjamin Roberts and Ida Maude Akines Roberts.

Mrs. Lybrand was retired from the Cleveland County Nursing Home and was a member of Double Wells Assembly of God, currently attending Kingsland Assembly of God.

Mrs. Lybrand was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years: Charles Martin Lybrand; her son: Jerry Martin Lybrand; four brothers: Charles, Doyle, William and Carl Roberts; and five sisters: Eunice Payne, Ruthie Turner, Sybil McCann, Ethel Jones, and Agnes Hopper.

She is survived by her daughters: Brenda Puterbaugh and husband, Harry of Kingsland, Sandy Morrison and husband, Nick of Pansy; two sons: Leland “Dink” Lybrand and wife, Lisa of Rison, Charles Randy Lybrand and wife, Paige of Mayflower; daughter-in-law: Judee Lybrand of Hardin; one sister: Elvalee Sipes of Rison; one brother: Hubert Roberts of Rison; three grandchildren: Angelia Crouse and husband, Terry, Sally Wendel and husband, Justin, Heath Charles Lybrand; one great-grandchild: Seth Crouse; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services were at 4 p.m. April, 9 at Buie Funeral Home with the Revs. Paul Pickens, Lewis Langley and Harry Puterbaugh officiating. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Terry Sipes, Charles Roberts Jr., Donnie Roberts, Dennis Sipes, John Mark Roberts, Jason Roberts, Teddy Roberts, and G. L. Langford. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Turner, Pete Lybrand, Robert David Lybrand, Jeff Lybrand, Eddie Lybrand, Bruce Lybrand, Wendell Lybrand and Mike Lybrand.

Memorials may be made to Double Wells Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 422, Rison, Arkansas.

Arrangements were under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison. Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

Earl Dean Crosswhite

Earl Dean Crosswhite of Sheridan, Ark., was born March 9, 1926, at Lead Hill, Ark., the son of the late Jessie Houston and Bertha Ann Hancock Crosswhite. Mr. Crosswhite died April 5, 2008, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 82.

He was a member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan, had worked at Alcoa, was former Director of the Texarkana Baptist Orphanage and of the Vocational School at Arkansas School for the Deaf. Mr. Crosswhite had formerly taught Agri at Sheridan High School, was Principal at Traskwood School, and had taught at Harmony Grove. He was also a part of Arkansas Mission Builders, building churches all over.

Survivors include his wife: Shirley Ann Statler Crosswhite ; sons: Donnie and wife, Kay Crosswhite, Jimmy and wife, Karen Crosswhite, and Johnny Ray Crosswhite, all of Sheridan; daughter: Patty and husband, James Cogburn of Story; brothers: Wendell Crosswhite of Branson, Mo., Don Edward Crosswhite of Evans, Ga., and Tommy Crosswhite of Harrison; sisters: Veda Anderson of Harrison, Polly Thurman of Paragould, Jackie Sharp of Trenton, Mo., Rita Fern Raney of Harrison and Barbara Case of Springfield, Mo.; grandchildren: Jeremy, David, Donnie, and Wade Crosswhite, Jeni Vladyka, Chris Ausbrooks, Cindy Ausbrooks, Mary Booth, Richard Shipman, Shanna Dearman, Jake Eden, Josh Crosswhite and Haley Crosswhite; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, April 9 at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Wendell Crosswhite, Bro. Don Edward Crosswhite, Bro. Shawn Hill, Bro. Morris Cloud and Bro. W.A. Dillard all participating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan.

Pallbearers are his grandsons and Willie Caton. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Mayfield, Bro. Morris Cloud, Bro. W.A. Dillard, David Miller, L.C. Harrington, and the Arkansas Mission Builders.

Memorials may be made to Texarkana Baptist Orphanage or to Arkansas Mission Builders.

Arrangements are by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Joshua Lee Withrow

Joshua Lee Withrow of Sheridan, Ark., was born April 17, 1985, in Little Rock, Ark., the son of Terry Lee Withrow and Dorothea Ione Wallace. Josh died April 5, 2008, at the age of 22 of injuries sustained from an automobile accident.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Carthage.

Survivors include his finance’: Jessica Schwinn of Sheridan; son: Dawson Riley Withrow of Bryant; mother: Dorothea Wallace of Carthage; father: Terry Withrow of Hot Springs;

Step-brothers: Joey Boyer, Michael Boyer, both of Hot Springs; sister: Malea Patterson of Woodson; grandmother: Marion Debin of Carthage; and nieces: Kristen and Destiny,

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on April 8 at First Baptist Church of Carthage with Bro. William Wallace officiating. Burial followed at Hopewell Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Robert Stanley Derrick, Jr.

Robert Stanley Derrick, Jr. of Sheridan, Ark., was born Aug. 26, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Ark., the son of the late R.S. "Bud" Derrick, Sr. and Janie Lee Puckett Derrick. Mr. Derrick died March 31, 2008, at his home at the age of 65.

He was a former machinest. Robert was a car buff and enjoyed playing guitar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: Walter Derrick, Jerry Lee Derrick, and Oscar Harvey Derrick.

Survivors include his sons: Henry Derrick and Joe Derrick, both of Sheridan; daughters: Sabrina McDonald of Sheridan, Alana McClure of Sparkman and Toni Dickens of Slocum, Ala.; brothers: David Derrick of Tulsa, Ok., Raymond Derrick of Sheridan and Larry Gene Derrick of Hot Springs; sisters: Wanda Sue Brown of White Oak, Texas and Mary Jo Keen of Sheridan; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on April 4 at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan with the Rev. Steve Cypert officiating.

Pallbearers were Keith Ray, Larry Derrick Jr., Michael Derrick, Ricky Todd, Scott Davis and Dewey Ford.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Gene Fleming

Gene Fleming of Sheridan, Ark., was born April 20, 1946, at Wright, Ark., the son of the late Coy Robert and Bertie Francis McNair Fleming. Mr. Fleming died April 1, 2008, at U.A.M.S. Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 61.

He was a driver for Southern Star, a longtime member of Fleming Deer Club, a member of the Arkansas Chuckwagon Association and a member of Orion Missionary Baptist Church. Gene enjoyed horses and hunting, but his greatest love was for his family and especially being "PawPaw" to his grandkids.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: Alvin Franklin Fleming, Leon Fleming, Roy Fleming; and sister: Sue Hall.

Survivors include his wife: Brenda Steele Fleming of Sheridan; son and daughter-in-law: Shane and Christina Fleming of Sheridan; grandchildren: Austin, Carly, and Amberly; brother: Allen Dorsey Fleming of Sheridan; sisters: Violet Louise Hall of Sheridan and Thelma Wight of Bentonville; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., on April 5 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Danny Hill and Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Burial was in Bethel South/Shiloh Cemetery near Sheridan.

Pallbearers were Bill Jones, Aubrey Phillips, Rob Sheffield, Matt Romine, Tom Johnson and David Strickland. Honorary pallbearers were the Southern Star truck drivers. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Ethel Mae Schooley

Ethel Mae Schooley, 92, of Stamps, Ark., formerly of Sheridan, passed away April 11, 2008, at the Homestead Manor in Stamps. She was born June 21, 1915, in Sheridan.

Mrs. Schooley was a property book officer. She enjyed all the activities at the nursing home and caretakers and especially loved the sing-alongs.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Robert and Hattie Nelson; husband: Charles Logan Fitzhugh; second husband: James Schooley; one brother; and one sister.

Mrs. Schooley is survived by one son: Dr. Robert Fitzhugh and wife, Linda of Stamps; two sisters: Bobbie Graves of Russellville; Mary Reid of Sheridan; and one dearly loved grandson: Clay Fitzhugh of Stamps.

Graveside services were held on April 14 at 2 p.m. at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan with Bro. Charles Walthall officiating.

Arrangements were by Smith Funeral Home of Stamps.

William “Art” Arthur Davis

William “Art” Arthur Davis, 65, of Trail, British Columbia, peacefully went home to be with the great King, our Lord Jesus Christ, on, April 7, 2008. He was born May 29, 1942, in Sheridan, a son of the late Jim and Lyndell Harris Davis. 

Mr. Davis was a graduate of Sheridan High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. He was self-employed as an industrial electrician and a member of Christian Life Center in Trail, British Columbia. 

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his uncle: James Harris.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Lloyd and Donna Kay Jordan of Hot Springs; daughter and son-in-law: Donna Jeanette and Steve Ledbetter of Bauxite; three grandchildren: Kevin and Laura Ledbetter, both of Bauxite, Chris Ledbetter of Little Rock; sister: Joyce Keen of Sheridan; four uncles: Clarence Harris,  Carthel Harris, Charles “Doc” Harris and Bill Harris; three aunts: Mollie Sue Lowery, Vaughnita Hubbard, Doris Faye Harris; great-aunt: Virginia Hope of Prattsville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m., today, Wednesday, April 16 at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville with the Rev. A.J. Medlin officiating. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan.  

Pallbearers are Bill Harris, David Keen, Dennis Harris, Ronnie Harris, Walter Keen and Tyler Nutter. 

Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan.

Joan Croy Minyard

Joan Croy Minyard of Redfield, Ark., was born June 15, 1934, in Orion, Ark., the daughter of the late Chester A. and Dollie Howlett Croy. Mrs. Minyard died April 17, 2008, at UAMS at the age of 73.

She was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church, and a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, fondly known as "Momma Jo".

Survivors include her husband: Charles R. Minyard of Redfield; son: Philip V. Breazeal of Redfield; daughter: Vicky J. Graves of Redfield; brother: Ronald Wayne Croy and wife, Wilma of East End; sister: Chestene Bruce of Redfield; grandson: Tony and Jennifer Graves; and great-grandchildren: Kristen and Shelby.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on April 22 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan with Bro. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial followed at Orion Cemetery near Redfield.

Pallbearers were Wayne Clark, Mike Trantham, Frank Brown, Wayne Shilling, Steve Martin and Jeff Owens. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Smith, Jitter Red, Ed Watson, Harold Gwin and Charlie Bruce.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Tom Mackey

Tom Mackey, 89, of Lono, Ark., passed away March 26, 2008, at HSC Medical Center in Malvern. He was born May 1, 1918, in Lono the son of Albert and Vercie (Gray) Mackey.

He was a Navy WWII veteran, a cattle farmer, and enjoyed music. Tom had retired from Reynolds Metals Co. after 29 years and was a deacon at Lono Missionary Baptist Church. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one sister; an infant son and daughter; son: Donny Mackey; and a special niece: Pat House.

Survivors are his wife of 68 years: Mary Bell (Dodson) Mackey; sons: Bob Mackey and wife, Cathy, Danny Mackey and wife, Lynn, Rick Mackey and wife: Sonya, all of Lono; daughter: Tommie Rash and husband, R.L. of Sheridan; sister: Sylvia Perry of Lono; grandchildren and spouses: Mark Rash and Tammy, Shawn Rash, Medea Alston and Chris, Mandy Wilson and Nathan, Hayley Mackey, Alissa Mackey, Landon Mackey, Deshea Webb and Brandon, Greg Parish and Tiffany, Lynette Smith and Jeremy, Matthew Parish and Laura; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., March 29 at the Lono Missionary Baptist Church with Bros. Roger Hall and Glenn Alston officiating. Burial was in Lono Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Mark, Shawn, and Jonathan Rash, Chris Alston, Nathan Wilson, Brandon Webb, Roger Moore and Leslie Perry.  Honorary pallbearers were Donald Collins, Carl Cunningham, Adrian Huneycutt and Ollie Rash.

Memorials may be made to Lono Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements were by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at www.regencyfuneralhome.com.

John Frank Rochner, Sr.

John Frank Rochner, Sr. of Redfield, Ark., was born June 24, 1925 at Pt. DeLuce, Ark., the son of the late August "Gus" and Gertrude Litch Rochner. Mr. Rochner died March 24, 2008, in Saline County at the age of 82.

He was a decorated WWII U.S. Army Veteran having received the EAME Theater Ribbon, three Bronze Service Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Ribbon.

John was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, and was retired from Cotton Belt Railroad after 44 years of service. He loved to hunt and fish, and was a master gardener.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years: Doris West Rochner of Redfield; sons: John F. Rochner, Jr. and wife, Chae of White Hall, Larry and wife, Michelle Rochner of East End, Lewis Rochner of White Hall, Jimmy and wife, Vicky Rochner of White Hall, and Mark and wife, Jennifer Rochner of Tyrone, Ga.; sister: Ruth Hartoon of Ft. Smith; 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on March 29 at the Rochner’s home.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Judy Elizabeth Eck Rutherford

Judy Elizabeth Eck Rutherford of Sheridan, Ark., was born Dec. 21, 1960, at Whitman Air Force Base in Missouri, the daughter of Leo Edward and Maureen Billingham Eck.

She had been employed by the Grant County Clerk’s office.

Mrs. Rutherford died March 24, 2008, at her home at the age of 47.

Survivors include her spouse: Wayne Rutherford of Sheridan; daughter: Desirae Davidson and husband, Joshua of Ft. Hood, Texas; parents: Leo and Maureen Eck of Jacksonville; brother: Dale E. Eck of Colorado; and grandchildren: Christopher Allen Davidson and Kiera Lynn Davidson.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on March 27 at Jones Cemetery with Mary Lou Smith officiating.

Pallbearers were her caregivers.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

David Cabe Moore

David Cabe Moore of Prattsville, Ark., was born Aug. 19, 1931 in Prattsville, the son of the late Henry Clifton and Lois Iva Ray Moore. Mr. Moore died March 24, 2008, at Grace Healthcare in Benton at the age of 76.

He retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 21 years of service, and then worked at and retired from, St. Vincent’s Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock as the Department Head of Central Supply. David was a Baptist, and was also an avid fisherman.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of 51 ½ years: Wanda Gaye Martinson Moore of Prattsville; daughter: Deanne Moore Speer and husband, Tony of Prattsville; brothers: J.H. Moore of Mabelvale, Roe Moore of Prattsville; sisters: Jan McNeil of Pangburn, Charlene Graves of Little Rock; grandchildren: Cabe Moore Speer, Michael Speer, Natasha Speer, Nicholas Speer; and great-granddaughter: Rebecca Speer.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on March 27 at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville with Bro. Don Goodman officiating. Burial followed at Philadelphia Cemetery with Military Honors.

The U.S.A.F. Honor Guard served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Graves, Chuck Graves, Tim McFarland, Dennis Moore, Michael Shoptaw and Leslie Loftis.

Memorials may be made to Saline Hospice, 23157 Hwy I-30, Bryant, Arkansas 72022.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

John Jerrell Rice, Sr.

John Jerrell Rice, Sr. of Hensley, Ark., was born Sept. 2, 1936, at Hermitage, Ark., the son of the late James Madison and Argie Booker Rice. He died at his home on March 29, 2008, at the age of 71 years.

He was a member of East End Baptist Church; a member of East End Deer Club; a graduate of Hermitage High School; and was retired supervisor for Reynolds Company and also retired from Operations of City of Little Rock Asphalt Plant.

Survivors include his wife: Wilda Lovell Rice of the home; sons: John Jerrell "Bud" Rice, Jr. of East End, (bonus-son): Chuck and wife, Teresa Tripp of Sheridan; two daughters: Rachel Theresa and husband, Doug Piker of Crossett, Tanya Berryman of Bryant; three brothers: Ed Rice of Warren, Donnie Rice of Warren, Thomas Rice of Hermitage; sister: Judy Curry of Pine Bluff; and six grandchildren: Jessica Lauren Rice, Chuck Wilcox, Kimberly Barthol, Matthew Berryman, Madison Berryman, and Joshua Tripp.

Funeral services were held on March 31 at 10 a.m. at East End Baptist Church with the Rev. Jessie Whitley and the Rev. Chuck Tripp officiating. Burial was in Gravel Ridge Cemetery near Hermitage at 2:30 p.m. that day.

Memorials may be made to East End Baptist Church.

Arrangements were by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.